Philadelphia 76ers Notebook: Andrew Bynum's knee condition worsens

FILE - In this Oct. 24, 2012 file photo, Philadelphia 76ers center Andrew Bynum listens to a reporter's question at the team's NBA basketball training facility in Philadelphia. Bynum will miss at least five more weeks because of a bone bruise in his right knee and may not play in a game until early January. Philadelphia said Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, that the new goal was for Bynum to resume "normal basketball activity" around Dec. 10. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

PHILADELPHIA — As inconceivable as this sounds, Andrew Bynum’s situation has actually worsened.

Friday, Bynum stood at his locker and, for the second time in five days, detailed the intricacies of his knees. He said he picked up a bone bruise on his left knee while undergoing the self-described Phase II of rehab for the bone bruise on his right knee.

Both Bynum and DiLeo say the 7-footer remains on the same timetable the team unveiled earlier this week, meaning the Sixers will check him Dec. 10 to see whether he’ll be cleared for higher-impact conditioning and basketball-related activities. If he’s OK, it would be anywhere from one to four weeks before he sees significant minutes in games.

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The nature of Bynum’s injury is unlike others the Sixers have had to deal with, in that he’s yet to make his debut with the club. Outsiders buzzing about the Sixers being a contender in the Eastern Conference have been quelled by Bynum’s ever-present place in the injury report.

Bynum called his predicament “a setback” and “weird,” calling his left knee “a mirror thing going on” from what had already existed in his right knee. He said it came to his attention this week when he noticed swelling in both joints. His doctor, David Altchek, told him it’s something that has built up over time from running and playing basketball. Bynum said the pain level is “relatively low” when it comes to daily activity, but it amplifies when he attempts higher-impact activity.

“We’ve got doctors pretty much saying ‘a weakened cartilage state’ and I’m kind of waiting, I guess,” Bynum said. “They’re not giving me anything real definite. I just have to wait for the cartilage to get stronger. That’s pretty much what’s going on.”

Bynum seemed to reiterate there’s very little he knows about this thing. What DiLeo knows is he and the Sixers will not require Bynum to play until he’s healthy.

“From our point of view, we have to continue to be patient, to be cautious,” DiLeo said. “We’re looking long-term, not short-term, and big picture. We’re going to do what’s best for Andrew and what’s best for this organization and get him healthy as he can be and get him on the court when he’s ready.”

“Plain and simple, we’re trying to rehab his knees so they’re healthy enough to have him play, like he did last season. That’s our goal. And when he’s ready, and it’s hard to predict when he’ll be ready, but hopefully sooner than later. Main concern is Andrew’s health. Main concern is big picture. We want to have a long relationship with him. That’s why we’re doing this.”

The Sixers traded with the Los Angeles Lakers for Bynum Aug. 10, in a four-team deal. Since then, Bynum has not played in a game, let alone practiced with his new club. He’s undergone a non-invasive plasma procedure and injections of joint grease in both knees, and has had at least three MRIs — including one Tuesday, after this latest injury.

Bynum has a contract that expires at the end of this season and, by the sound of it, DiLeo and the Sixers want to lock up Bynum “long-term.” Would they be willing to give a maximum contract offer to an unrestricted free agent with balky knees? That might be dependent upon what Bynum can give them when he actually plays.

His return date could come as early as the end of December or the beginning of January. It could be even later than that. Because the Sixers play nine of 10 on the road in a stretch that starts Dec. 23 and ends Jan. 9, and because Bynum likely would not travel with the team during that road-heavy span, he would need an opportunity to practice with his teammates before getting thrown onto the court with them. That might create a delay that’s completely out of Bynum’s hands.

“It’s frustrating, man,” Bynum said, referring to his recurring injury. “And this is an issue that’s just going to take time to resolve. There’s no procedure or anything that can be done. It’s just time.”

“I’m able to continue (rehabbing). It’s not degrading the cartilage, as far as I know. It’s just what’s going on in my knees. I still have to stay in shape and maintain my weight. Maybe I’ll get off the elliptical, but I’ll definitely stay in the pool.”

So long as he doesn’t make a home there, or on the bench in street clothes.